Strathearn School 2018 1 Strathearn School 2018 2 Strathearn School 2018 Strathearn School Principal - Mrs N Connery MA PGCE PQH 188 Belmont Road, Belfast BT4 2AU Telephone (028) 9047 1595 Fax (028) 9065 0555 Email [email protected] Website www.strathearn.org.uk Chairman of the Board of Governors Mrs P Stewart The School Reception is open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am until 4.30 pm. Strathearn is a voluntary grammar school for girls (Group A) administered by its Governors in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Education. Strathearn School 2018 3 I am delighted to welcome you to Strathearn School. Thank you for your interest in our school and the opportunity to share our ethos and vision which embodies an exceptional education for all of our girls. In Strathearn there is a strong academic emphasis and we develop our pupils’ love for learning and an intellectual curiosity that will help them achieve academic excellence. As well as the wide range of subjects, Strathearn has an extensive extra-curricular and pastoral care system which places the pupils and their needs at the heart of the school. The School has attained outstanding academic success and our girls’ public examination results rank amongst the top schools in the United Kingdom. We aim to provide an environment where each girl’s potential is recognised and valued so that she is encouraged to fully develop her abilities and talents, and achieve her best in all areas of life. As you read this prospectus, you will gain an insight into our special moments and achievements as well as learning about the day-to-day life in Strathearn. However, no prospectus can hope to convey the positive atmosphere that prevails in Strathearn and the quality of relationships that we enjoy. I warmly invite you to visit the school and see for yourself our inspirational pupils and dedicated staff. If you have any questions or queries about the education we provide in Strathearn, please do not hesitate to contact us. I look forward to meeting you. 4 Strathearn School 2018 Excellence in learning School Admission The School currently admits 110 girls each year into Year 8, and admission at this stage is conducted through the Transfer Office of the Education Authority. The criteria for admission into Year 8 are detailed in Appendix 1. There are also places available for entry into the Sixth Form and occasionally into other year groups. The School operates a waiting list and parents of prospective pupils should apply directly to the School. The criteria for entry into a year group other than Year 8 is detailed in Appendix 2. The School is open for viewing on Saturday 06 January 2018 from 9.15 am until 12.30 pm. Parents and students are also very welcome to view the School at other times and this can be arranged by contacting the Principal. The enrolment of the School in September 2017 was 778 girls, including a Sixth Form of 209. The admissions number is 110 and the enrolment number is 770. The enrolment for the School is from Year 8 (Form 1) to Year 14 (Form Upper 6). School Hours & Holidays Currently, the school day begins at 8.45 am, when the pupils register with their Form Tutors. Classes begin at 9.05 am after Assembly or Form Time, with three teaching periods before break (10.50 am - 11.05 am), and three before lunch (12.50 pm - 1.45 pm). Three afternoon periods end at 3.30 pm. 2018/19 School Year CHRISTMAS TERM 28 August 2018 – 21 December 2018 HALF TERM HOLIDAY 29 October 2018 – 2 November 2018 EASTER TERM 7 January 2019 – 12 April 2019 HALF TERM HOLIDAY 18 February 2019 – 22 February 2019 SUMMER TERM 29 April 2019 – 28 June 2019 MAY DAY HOLIDAY 6 May 2019 Strathearn School 2018 5 Encourage, Empower, Excel At Strathearn we are committed to: Excellence in teaching and learning Creating a culture of challenge and aspiration Fostering a caring and supportive ethos where each individual is valued Encouraging a sense of pride in our school and in our wider community Building and maintaining positive relationships across our school community Maintaining the highest standard of facilities within an attractive physical environment We will strive to ensure that each girl will: Be happy and safe in school Love learning Meet her full potential Develop life-long friendships Take advantage of the wide range of extra-curricular opportunities on offer Mature into a well-rounded individual, equipped to contribute positively to society 6 Strathearn School 2018 “My daughter has really enjoyed her participation in school music and, as she has progressed through the school, has been able to learn from more senior pupils. Now that she herself is in 6th Form she has that sense of responsibility towards more junior pupils.” Strathearn 6th Form Parent Strathearn School 2018 7 Curriculum Strathearn School offers a broad and balanced curriculum to ensure that all of our pupils have an appropriately challenging educational experience. At Key Stage 3, for girls aged 11-14, classes are taught in form groups. As well as all of their curricular areas, girls also have a weekly Learning for Life and Work period, led by their Form Tutor. At Key Stage 4 most pupils choose to study at least 9 subjects. Pupils receive guidance and advice in order to choose the most appropriate range of GCSE subjects that will lay a secure foundation for their progression to A-level. In Sixth Form pupils will have the opportunity to study four A-level subjects. They continue to meet with their Form Tutor for one period per week; additionally, they have one period dedicated to Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance and the opportunity to take an ICT qualification. Assessment Pupils are continually assessed throughout the academic year at all key stages. Pupils in Forms 1-4 have formal school examinations once a year in May. Pupils in Form 5, Lower 6th and Upper 6th have mock examinations in January, in addition to externally based examinations. There is a parents’ meeting for each year group and parents receive a short and a full report each year. Pupils’ achievement is closely monitored and the subject teachers work closely with pupils and parents to ensure the pupils reach their full potential. Homework Policy Homework is essential for all pupils as a very important way of reinforcing the work done in class. Each girl is required to complete homework and the time she spends on this increases as she proceeds up the school. 8 Strathearn School 2018 Learning Careers Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) is an integral aspect of the educational provision at Strathearn. The School has a full-time Careers Adviser who is available for consultation by the students throughout the school day, and by parents and pupils at transition Parent Consultations and Parent Information Evenings. Outside speakers, university admissions staff and former pupils are regularly invited into the School to talk to pupils about a range of career opportunities. Leadership Pupils in Strathearn are actively encouraged to embark on leadership roles. There is a form captain for each class and in Sixth Form there are a number of extra responsibilities including Office Bearers, Peer Mentors and chairs of committees. Merit System Throughout the School we operate a Merit System which aims to reward students for achieving high standards in their work, behaviour, attendance, punctuality and uniform. Individual students are given a certificate or merit badge at merit ceremonies when they meet agreed targets. Strathearn School 2018 9 Curriculum Subjects Summary Subject Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4 Key Stage 5 Art & Design Biology Business Studies Chemistry Child Development Computer Studies Design & Technology Digital Technology Double Award Science Drama English Language English Literature French Further Maths Geography German Government and Politics Health and Social Care History Home Economics ICT Learning for Life and Work Mathematics Media Studies Moving Image Art Music Nutrition and Food Physical Education Physics Religious Studies Science Spanish 10 Strathearn School 2018 ICT Facilities At Strathearn we believe that modern technologies and the internet are an integral part of our lives and an important and useful resource for us all. At Key Stage 3 all pupils are provided with a school owned iPad for use in the classroom and at home. For Key Stage 4 and 5 pupils staff have access to class sets of Chromebooks. All classrooms are fully equipped with Interactive White Boards and high speed internet access. Our Learning Centre allows whole class and individual pupil access for all subjects. Computer facilities are available at lunch time and after school when pupils are supported by specialist ICT staff. In addition several departments, HE, Art and Technology, have their own suites of computers to support the pupils work in that subject. The Music department has its own suite of Macs, with Logic sequencing software and a dedicated recording studio. Strathearn School 2018 11 Sports Through the extra-curricular programme pupils are provided with the opportunity to participate in a wide range of team and individual activities. Those pupils who have a keen interest in swimming, horse riding, golf, squash and trampolining are supported by the Physical Education Department and represent the school in competitive events. Sports Hall, Gymnasium and Fitness Suite The School has a large, purpose-built Sports Hall, funded entirely by parental contribution. Accommodation within the Sports Hall is flexible, and allows for: a full size indoor hockey pitch; five badminton courts; indoor tennis court; netball; volleyball; basketball, with provision for gymnastics. A brand new Gymnasium complements the use of the Sports Hall and a fully equipped Fitness Suite completes the indoor sports accommodation.